The Bert Show – "Vault: How Does She Get Rid Of Her Work Stalker?"

Date: January 20, 2026
Podcast Host: Pionaire Podcasting
Main Cast for Episode: Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy
Episode Theme: Listener Tammy seeks the Bert Show’s advice on handling a persistent, possibly stalking co-worker, sparking discussion about workplace boundaries, harassment, and practical solutions.

Episode Overview

In this vault episode, The Bert Show team speaks with a listener, "Tammy," whose work life has become difficult due to a co-worker’s intense, unwanted attention—ranging from intrusive conversations to following her outside work. Tammy’s predicament prompts a lively roundtable about workplace harassment, the guilt victims sometimes feel, and creative ways to set boundaries or seek help. The hosts and callers share a blend of empathy, personal experience, and actionable tips in their signature candid and humorous style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Tammy’s Situation Unfolds ([00:10]–[03:46])

• Tammy calls in under a voice disguiser for privacy, voicing fear that her co-worker might be listening.
• Details of harassment:
  • Co-worker persistently visits her desk, "leans over" and appears to check her out ([00:18]–[00:59]).
  • He follows Tammy around her neighborhood and local stores, including her apartment complex and Kroger, despite living far away ([01:00]–[01:08]).
  • Attempts to invade her private life, e.g., making plans to "coincidentally" show up at her vacation spot ([01:16]–[01:31]).
  • Tammy invents a boyfriend (even posing for fake pictures) to deter him, but it doesn’t work ([01:50]–[02:09]).
• Impact: She hides in other parts of the office to avoid him and relies on other coworkers to warn her of his approach ([04:04]).

Quote:

“He just is trying to get into my life everywhere he can. And it’s horrible." – Tammy ([01:31])

The Hosts Weigh In: Harassment & Next Steps ([03:46]–[06:58])

• Tammy is torn: The offender is "nice" and "well-respected," but she’s uncomfortable escalating to HR for fear of ruining his career ([02:54], [06:23]).
• She’s already told him she’s not interested in a relationship, but he won’t stop, even suggesting they start dating if either leaves the company ([03:19], [05:04]).
• The hosts press for clarity—why hasn’t she gone to HR? Tammy expresses guilt, wishing to resolve it quietly out of concern for his future ([06:23]).

Notable Exchange:

Bert: “Have you gone to human resources?”
Tammy: “I haven't, because he's a nice guy... So I don't want to, like, mess—I don't want to ruin his life.” ([02:54])

Alternatives to HR & Listener Advice ([07:01]–[10:59])

Acknowledgement of Harassment

• The crew explicitly state that this is harassment and that HR would be the most straightforward solution ([07:01]–[07:21]).
• Yet, they empathize with Tammy's worry about the drastic repercussions for her co-worker.

Caller Solutions

Rachel’s Advice:

• Be "specific" and direct—rather than the vague "I don’t date coworkers", clearly state “I am not interested in you” ([08:04]).

Quote:

“Guys hear things differently than what women say. Like, if you give us just a little itty bitty window, man, we will jump right through it.” – Bert ([08:04])

Maureen’s Story:

• Shares her success with a certified letter to an inappropriate boss, clearly documenting the unwanted behavior and warning that she’d escalate to HR if it didn’t stop ([08:47]–[09:26]).
• The letter resulted in the harassment stopping and provided important documentation.

Quote:

“As soon as I wrote him that letter...he totally left me alone after that.” – Maureen ([09:26])

• Hosts praise the letter’s effectiveness (“It’s a lot more effective to see the words in writing than...say them,” [09:28]).

John’s Idea:

• Have a “third party” or witness present when confronting the harasser, for accountability and to prevent “he said, she said” scenarios ([10:23]–[10:46]).

Candid Host Reflections ([10:59]–[12:09])

• The hosts reflect on why some people can’t take “no” for an answer, noting that when intrusion extends outside work, it’s truly disturbing, not just “the chase” ([11:07]–[11:40]).
• Light-hearted suggestion: tell the co-worker she’s found a new partner (“Tiffany said, just tell him that you met Melissa at Smyrnabration and switched,” [11:56]).
• Empathy and support are evident; the hosts hope Tammy feels empowered by the advice.

Notable Quotes and Moments with Timestamps

• Tammy shares the extent of stalking:

  “I’ve seen him in my area. I’ve seen him, like—I live on the opposite side of town from him. And I’ve been seeing him around, like, driving around my apartment complex.” – Tammy ([00:49])

• The struggle with escalation:

  “I don't want to get him in trouble, but he's really bothering me.” – Tammy ([04:04])

• On why directness matters:

  “If you give us just a little itty bitty window, man, we will jump right through it.” – Bert ([08:04])

• On written documentation:

  “I actually wrote a certified letter to him...and as soon as I wrote him that letter...he totally left me alone after that.” – Maureen ([09:26])

• Workplace consequences:

  “That's harassment, though.” – Show Host ([05:21]) “She doesn't want his career destroyed just because he doesn't get—can't get a clue.” – Host ([07:28])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:10]–[03:46]: Tammy details coworker's escalation from work annoyance to bordering on stalking.
• [03:46]–[06:58]: Discussion on the difficulty of reporting workplace harassment, especially when the harasser is "nice" and respected.
• [07:01]–[08:43]: Hosts address obvious advice and push for direct communication.
• [08:47]–[09:47]: Caller Maureen’s certified letter approach & hosts’ endorsement.
• [10:23]–[10:46]: Caller John’s suggestion of confronting with a third-party witness.
• [11:07]–[11:40]: The team debates “the chase” versus outright creepy behavior.
• [11:56]–[12:09]: Humorous suggestions and final goodbyes.

Tone & Show Style

• Authentic, caring, but direct: The hosts balance empathy with tough love, offering realistic perspectives without sugar-coating.
• Candid humor: Even while discussing serious topics, the show retains its characteristic lightness.
• Strong community: Tricky listener problems are tackled collectively, highlighting support from listeners and cast alike.

Summary Takeaways

• Workplace boundaries and directness are crucial; vagueness invites persistence.
• Documented communication (written or witnessed) can be powerful if escalation is needed.
• While HR is an important resource, there can be immense guilt around reporting a “likeable” harasser—something both the cast and callers understand and discuss empathetically.
• Listener-driven advice enriches the discussion with personal stories and creative strategies.

For listeners: This episode is a compelling, real-life look at the blurry lines between unwanted attention and harassment, and the emotional minefield of dealing with it in the workplace—delivered with The Bert Show's trademark warmth and wit.